Maine’s Online Casino Future: A Standstill Until 2026
The path to legalizing online casinos in Maine has hit a roadblock, as Governor Janet Mills remains passive on the recently passed measure, LD 1164. This bill, which gained traction in the legislature, now hangs in limbo, awaiting further deliberation in 2026.
Governor Mills had the opportunity to either approve, veto, or let the bill sit until the legislature reconvenes in January. Choosing the latter, she will have a brief three-day window to act once legislators return. If she opts to remain inactive again, the bill will automatically become law.
A key aspect of this legislation is that it would grant exclusive rights to the state’s four Wabanaki Nations—namely, the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Aroostook Band of Micmacs, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians—to operate regulated online casinos. This arrangement would exclude Maine’s existing brick-and-mortar casinos, Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway and Oxford Casino Hotel. Each tribe could collaborate with a licensed platform provider for an annual fee of $50,000.
The financial implications of the bill include a 16% tax on adjusted gross revenue, earmarked for funding critical state services, including gambling addiction assistance, emergency housing, and veterans’ programs.
A Predictable Stalemate
Mills’ reluctance to engage with the bill should not come as a surprise. Historically, the governor’s office has expressed reservations about gambling-related legislation, as evidenced by their testimony against this bill during public hearings. In fact, Mills has previously vetoed gambling measures outright, such as the state’s initial sports betting bill in 2020, which was later overridden by the senate.
Steve Silver, the chair of the Maine Gambling Control Board, voiced skepticism regarding the governor’s potential support for the current bill when speaking to Casino Reports. He noted, "It would be prudent to assume that she is unlikely to sign it. If she does veto, I doubt there’d be enough votes to overturn it."
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Independent publication Casino Reports offers in-depth coverage of the US online casino and igaming industry, featuring news, analysis, and legislative updates.